Fire destroys Fontana pallet yard, sparks evacuations

Storify: Another day of fire in the Inland Empire FONTANA -- A five-alarm fire engulfed a pallet yard and jumped to an adjoining business on Saturday, injuring one firefighter and causing millions of dollars in damages, authorities said.

"This fire is currently under investigation," said San Bernardino County fire spokesman Chris Prater. "The actual estimated financial damage to the businesses hasn't been calculated yet, but we believe it to be in millions. "

The fire began at the Ramirez pallet yard in the 8400 block of Sultana Avenue, which was destroyed after the blaze ripped through the towering stacks of pallets, forcing evacuations for nearby businesses and homes. The fire caused a black plume of smoke that could be seen for miles.

One firefighter was hospitalized for a heat-related injury, Prater said.

Another county fire spokesman, Eric Sherwin, said the last five-alarm fire was a pallet yard fire last year.

The fire at the Ramirez yard was reported shortly after 3:30 p.m. Officials said it was fueled by 10 propane tanks, which exploded in the blaze.

By late afternoon, county fire officials said the fire was 95 percent contained, but evacuations were still in effect for residents and those who worked in businesses east of Sultana.

One building was destroyed at the pallet yard and another next door at California Cascade Industries when the fire jumped over a fence.

Smaller spot fires erupted in the vegetation surrounding the businesses from winds carrying the hot embers generated from the main blaze, authorities said.